James Harden is doubtful for Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, but coach Mike D’Antoni is optimistic that the Houston Rockets guard can return to the floor Saturday.
Harden has missed the past two games after being diagnosed with a Grade 1-plus strain to his left hamstring last week. He was set to be re-evaluated before the Rockets’ five-game road trip begins with Friday’s game against Brooklyn.
D’Antoni said there is a chance that James Ennis will start against the Nets. Ennis has missed the Rockets’ past three games with a hamstring strain.
Harden, the reigning NBA MVP, missed seven games in January last season due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
The Rockets are 1-5 to start the season, which prompted D’Antoni to say the team is “playing like crap” earlier in the week.